What is going on in Ukraine? Who is for what in that country?

[pampango]

30. "NATO politics does not allow for neutral countries. You are either with us or against us."

Doesn't seem that Russian (or at least Putin) politics allow for neutral countries either. Sad for Ukrainians.

Without energy the economy collapses; Ukraine runs on oil and gas from Russian pipelines.

If Yanukovych understood this in 2010 (he seems to get it now) he should have changed his campaign position from being pro-EU integration to making it clear that Ukraine has no choice but to stay close to Russia for economic reasons. Did he really believe what he was saying in 2010 or was he just another cynical politician telling people what they wanted to hear, while knowing they cannot do what they want.

In the short run Ukraine will suffer economically if they distance themselves from Russia. In the long run, Ukraine could adapt to its energy dependence on foreign sources. Many developed countries survive quite well despite the absence of energy independence.

The real choice is up to the Ukrainian people. In the short term alienating Putin would make life quite difficult. In the long term perhaps it is worth it if they think an European life style is preferable (which is what Yanukovych himself has said).